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 The transformative power of language was illustrated recently by Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate, at President Biden's inauguration. The poem she performed, "The Hill We Climb," echoes wisdom well beyond her young years. Shana Harrison, Chief Program Officer, and I were discussing some of the poem's phrases that moved us and discovered that we shared being struck by her thoughts on "justice:" "We've learned that quiet isn't always peace, and the norms and notions, of what just is isn't always justice. And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it." I believe these words are the essence of Aspire's mission. In our work together we understand and challenge the "norms and notions" of what is just. We seek justice in the support and services we provide. I wondered about Ms. Gorman's upbringing and discovered that her mother, Joan Wicks, is a teacher. Below she shares her thoughts on her mother's profession and the role of literacy: "Having a mother as a sixth-grade English teacher in an inner-city public school gave me an up-close and personal view of how literacy influences young students. I realized that education can really be a life-or-death resource... School and college is a pathway to get off the streets, to break a cycle." Thank you, dear readers, for your support of the eager and hard-working Aspire students who are devoted to improve their learning and lives of those they care for. Our work is in pursuit of justice. - Linda K. Johnson, Ph. D Aspire President and CEO |
Learning in the time of COVID-19  Registration for students enrolling in classes included the same safety protocols Aspire established last summer. These include scheduling individual appointments, temperature-taking, free masks, social distacing, in-person assessments, assisting in the loading of apps for virtual learning, and in-depth facility cleaning. Aspire program team members worked long hours to ensure the needs of new and existing students were met. Students continue to show a high level of commitment to their learning, especially as many are using digital tools for the first time. Registration by the numbers as of Wednesday, January 27:
Classes will begin on February 8 with 80 students receiving Dell laptops and hotspots provided by Aspire to meet the requirements of virtual learning. The use of these tools has been made possible by generous gifts from Toast to Literacy donors and the estate of Rex and Nancy Spivey. This new program allows all our students to connect with staff and their volunteer teachers and guarantees they will not miss the lifetime of learning our mission promises. |
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Volunteer and Student Spotlight We shine the spotlight this month on a woman who is both an Aspire student and volunteer, Elizabeth G. Baxley. Elizabeth first enrolled in the Aberg Center for Literacy ESL program five years ago when she realized "my husband does not speak any Spanish...and I know a little bit of English but want...to communicate myself better." Grateful for the help given by her teachers, Elizabeth wanted to give back in some way and began volunteering at the Aberg Center two years ago as an instructor in the Spanish adult basic education program. One thing Elizabeth enjoys the most about her classes, both as a student and teacher, is the relationships she builds with her classmates and students. Elizabeth enjoys meeting and getting to know students, particularly with different cultures and customs, stating "it is a beautiful experience because the students will no longer be in the class, but we continue to communicate." "I respect and admire the incredible work everyone at the organization does because I know it is a team effort and sometimes, we only see the teacher, but it is the work of many people...and I am so grateful for everything I have received," said Elizabeth. We admire Elizabeth's hard work and dedication and look forward to welcoming her back for the spring semester. |
2020 End of Year Campaign: Thank You On behalf of the Board of Directors, Advocate Council, volunteers, students and staff of Aspire, thank you for your support during the end of year campaign. With the help you have provided, we can offer families the keys to more stable, safe, and financially sound lives. From learning English or earning a GED, to balancing a family bank account or preparing for careers, with your support our students face challenges with confidence. The events of the past year have created a greater need for the services Aspire offers to families in need. Our responsibility to build a strong financial foundation is now as important as ever. Trying times always affect at risk communities in ways that make recovery difficult. Chief Development Officer |
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| Dr. Linda K. Johnson Aspire President and CEO “A lifetime of learning helps us give the best of ourselves to our communities.” |
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